Detroit Public Schools Reading Corps Volunteer Program

Building Centers of Excellence in Every School for Every Child in Every Neighborhood

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I enroll in the Volunteer Reading Corps (VRC)?

The first step in the process is for a corporate partner to enroll in the program through the WSU Governmental website, at http://govaffairs.wayne.edu/cares/readingcorps.php. In addition, each person who is volunteering through a corporate partner should individually enroll in the program through the DPS website, at the above address. After an individual has enrolled, he/she must complete the Michigan Fingerprint Application Information Form on line to expedite the process for back ground checks. To do so, please go to: https://secure.detroitk12.org/readingcorps/fingerprintform/.

What are my responsibilities as a reading tutor?

Volunteers are asked to commit at least one hour a week to tutor two students for a half hour each. Tutoring generally will occur at schools during school hours. However, DPS is exploring opportunities for volunteers to tutor on weekends and in the evenings. The VRC program office and principal of the assigned school will work with corporate partner to create a schedule for tutoring sessions.

Will I receive training and materials?

All volunteer tutors are required to attend four to six hours of training. Training sessions will last about an hour and a half (90 minutes) each. There will be ample time built in for questions. The first training session was offered at the rally and orientation session on Saturday, January 23 rd. Volunteers who were not able to attend that session will be notified via the district web site of dates and times for upcoming training sessions. Organizations with twenty (20) or more volunteers may wish to make arrangements with DPS to have an on-site orientation session.

Will I be assigned to a school or will I be able choose my school?

Reading Corps volunteers will be able to sign up to tutor at the school of their choice at the orientation session on January 23rd. If a volunteer is part of a larger group who all wish to be assigned to the same school, DPS will endeavor to accommodate the request, and will follow-up with to make appropriate arrangements with the school and the corporate partner.

Will I be able to tutor on my lunch hour?

Every effort will be made to accommodate each volunteer’s scheduling needs. In most cases, a tutor’s schedule will be worked out at his/her school in consultation with the principal and the student’s teacher. We simply ask volunteers to keep in mind that we will all have to work within the parameters of the student’s daily class schedule.

1 If I am only available in the evening or on weekends, can I still be a Reading Corps volunteer?

Yes. DPS is exploring other scheduling options for tutors beyond the regular school day.

When will I start to volunteer as a tutor at my school?

Once a volunteer’s background check is finalized, he/she will notified by DPS. DPS will also notify the respective school. A volunteer may begin to tutor as soon as he/she is issued an identification badge by DPS. DPS hopes to have all background checks completed in four to six weeks.

Are there any special requirements for being a volunteer reading tutor?

Every volunteer must have a background check before he/she can begin to work in schools with children. Background checks will be provided at no charge to volunteers. The process includes fingerprinting and a photo ID. Background checks will be conducted at the DPS Welcome Center located at 3031 West Grand Blvd in Detroit. A schedule over the next several weeks is provided in this information packet and will be posted on the DPS website at: http://www.detroit.k12.mi.us/readingcorps/.

Will the Reading Corps replace other volunteer programs?

The Volunteer Reading Corps is not replacing any existing volunteer programs. Interested persons can volunteer in more than one program.

Will there be “pushback” from teachers or administrators?

Principals and pre-kindergarten teachers have been kept abreast of the Reading Corps program. The pre-kindergarten teachers have received and overview of the tutor training and have copies of all of the materials provided to the tutors. DPS will work closely with our school to ensure that the program is coordinated to support the work of the tutors once they are assigned to schools.

Who do I contact if I have more questions?

The following individuals are available to answer any questions corporate partners may have regarding the Reading Corps program:

Evelyn Mann: [email protected], (313) 995-2248 Leaura Materassi: [email protected], (216) 374-9785

On behalf of Emergency Financial Manager, Robert Bobb and the children of Detroit Public Schools, we thank you for your interest in the Volunteer Reading Corps (VRC) program.

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